A fine performance by Udinese goalkeeper Samir Handanovic helped his side take a share of the spoils in a thrilling encounter at the Stadio Friuli on Sunday.
Udinese, joint Serie A leaders with Napoli going into this weekend's fixtures, made the perfect start when Gaetano D'Agostino fired them in front from the penalty spot in the fourth minute.
Handanovic was in superb form to keep Genoa at bay but was finally beaten shortly after the hour mark by Diego Milito's spot-kick and the visitors took the lead three minutes later thanks to substitute Giuseppe Sculli.
However, a Fabio Quagliarella volley in the 78th minute ensured Udinese maintained their excellent home record.
Either side could have won it at the end but both had to settle for a deserved point, although Genoa will be the more disappointed as they had the lion's share of chances and are still seeking their first away win.
Genoa were full of confidence going into the match after picking up their first away point last weekend at Internazionale, but they had a nightmare start as Domenico Criscito conceded a penalty for holding back Antonio Floro Flores.
D'Agostino stepped up to the spot and beat Genoa goalkeeper Rubinho for an early lead.
The visitors almost equalized two minutes later but a great save by Handanovic denied Milito.
The Udinese keeper was on hand again shortly after the half-hour mark with another stunning save to keep out Andrea Gasbarroni's rasping shot from outside the area.
Genoa would have been wondering how they were still behind at half-time, especially as Milito's spectacular free-kick seemed destined for the top corner until Handanovic produced yet another great save to tip it over.
Udinese's lack of clear-cut opportunities in the first half was an obvious concern to coach Pasquale Marino who brought on Quagliarella after an hour.
However, before the star striker could have any effect Genoa were awarded a penalty three minutes later as the referee spotted contact in the area between Aleksandar Lukovic and Genoa's Anthony Vanden Borre, and Milito finally beat Handanovic from the spot.
The visitors took the lead in the 67th minute when Milito headed the ball on to Sculli and the substitute, who had only been on the pitch a few minutes, unleashed a great left-footed drive from distance.
Realizing that the game was slipping from his side's grasp, Marino brought on forward Antonio Di Natale in the 71st minute.
The tactical change paid off as Udinese leveled seven minutes later when Quagliarella volleyed home Simone Pepe's cross.
Both sides battled hard for the winner and it was end to end action in the closing stages.
Milito almost restored Genoa's lead immediately but Handanovic pulled off an instinct save to deny the in-form Argentinian.
Udinese could have won it right at the end, with both teams visibly tiring, but Di Natale's shot rebounded off Rubinho's chest to Lukovic who headed wide.
